HEADED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
On December 16 we headed for Guana Cay. Our transit of the Whale was uneventful and as we rounded the tip of Guana Cay we heard Second Sojourn hailing us on the radio. They were headed to Snake Cay and wondered where we were. We let them know our destination and hoped that we would catch up with them in a couple of days. Kathi and I had a short discussion and decided to forego Guana Cay in favor of heading down to Snake Cay and seeing our friends. We made a quick stop at Marsh Harbor to pick up some fresh provisions then got to Snake Cay around 4pm. Second Sojourn was surprised to see us and we enjoyed cocktails while catching up on activities over the past few days.
On Sunday we took them to a Blue Hole behind Snake Cay and a snorkel site that you can drift through with the current. The winds were settling into the east so then we moved south about 8 miles to one of our favorite anchorages, Lynyard Cay. Second Sojourn joined us. Over the next few days we showed them some more blue holes and got enough lobster for everyone’s dinners. The weather was spectacular with almost no wind and smooth water. We wanted to get to Pete’s Pub, our favorite bar and grill in the Abacos, located 2 miles south of our anchorage, but learned they were only open Thursday through Sunday.
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| Kathi with Collin |
On Monday, Annabella with Elizabeth and Collin came sailing into the anchorage. They were headed to Little Harbour and Petes Pub, saw us and came to this anchorage. We let them know Pete’s Pub would not open till Thursday and to hang out here. With the weather so perfect we made plans to scuba dive on Tuesday. Gary from Second Sojourn is an experienced diver, Elizabeth and Collin were interested in learning. Kathi gave them a quick lesson behind our boat then we headed to the outside of Lynyard Cay for a dive in 30 feet of water. While Kathi, Gary, Elizabeth and Collin dove, I snorkeled above them. They had a tremendous time and the newbies did great on their first dive. They were SO excited getting to explore a new world under the water.
Second Sojourn had guests coming on Friday, December 22, so they headed back toward Marsh Harbor on Wednesday. We took Elizabeth and Collin to Sandy Cay National Park for their second dive. Shortly after getting in the water we say an 8 foot shark swim past (either Caribbean Reef or Bull), just a little too far away to get a decent photo. Later, several large spotted eagle rays glided past. The reef at Sandy Cay is very pretty and has plenty of life to enjoy. Again, the newbies were thrilled with their experience. On the way back to the boats we stopped at one of our lobster spots and got 4 lobster for dinner.
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| Elizabeth |
Thursday we made a long day by taking Elizabeth and Collin to the Blue Holes back in the Bight of Old Robinson. John got a lobster in each of the blue holes, both had almost 8 inch long tails. Collin and Elizabeth got 3 more lobster so again we had dinner set. After getting back to the boats we changed out of the wet gear and headed to Pete’s Pub for lunch. After that, a short hike and some seaglass hunting. Everyone was pretty tired by the time we got back to the boats but our plan called for us to move to a new anchorage at Armstrong Cay. We arrived just as the sun set.
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| Blue Hole Lobsters |
The Kathi and John tour guide company continued to show Annabella some favorite spots. From the anchorage at Armstrong Cay we explored 2 more Blue Holes and the drift snorkel spot. Then back to the boats for a move up to Marsh Harbor. Collin needed to get a new fresh water pump before guests arrived on the 28th. We showed them a way to get into town from the “Back side” of Marsh Harbor. They found their part and the next day we went to the grocery store for more provisioning. They headed for Treasure Cay later that afternoon to prepare for their guest while we headed back toward Armstrong Cay.
The following week saw us moving from one Cay to another based upon wind direction and where we wanted to explore. Christmas dinner was Cornish Game Hens. One highlight of the week was meeting a delightful couple on s/v Margaritaville, Milan and Michelle. We met them at Lynyard Cay, gave them a quick tour of the Blue Holes in the area and caught a couple of lobster for them. They hosted us for dinner on their boat serving burgers. We would trade lobster for burgers any day! Our short time with them included cards and Rummycube. They left for the Exumas the next day and we hope to see them again sometime this season.
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| Just a little guy |
We have guests coming the middle of January. One of our “tasks”is to explore areas to take them hunting. We explored an area that we haven’t been to in a couple of years, got 1 lobster for our dinner, then saw what we think may be the biggest lobster we’ve ever seen. We already had dinner but it took all of our resistance not to take that huge lobster. Hopefully we will see him when our guests are here and they can have a great story to tell.
Another new event for us was attending the Full Moon Party at Cracker P’s on Lubbers Quarters. We had never been there before and enjoyed the dinner, view and some dancing. The party was on December 30 and the moon wasn’t quite full; that would occur on January 1. On Sunday, December 31 we made a quick stop at Marsh Harbor for provisions then decided to forego participating in any New Year celebrations. The weather is forecast to turn very windy and rainy for several days starting on Tuesday. We wanted to get to a good anchorage to sit out the blow and decided that anchorage would be Cormorant Cay.
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| Calm before the storm; Cormorant Cay |
New Year’s Day was a “Chamber of Commerce Day.” Beautiful weather and calm seas. We used the day to get fish for fish tacos. Normally I’m the better shot for getting fish but on this day Kathi put me to shame. I got 1 lion fish and 1 snapper; she got 2 lion fish and 3 snapper. I need to improve my aim!
Tuesday morning, as predicted, started with wind and rain. We settled in for the next couple of days.
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